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4.34 from 9 votes
A shot of two individual servings of Shepherd's Pie in cast iron skillets with a golden crispy edged potato topping with thyme, peas, forks, and an open bottle of beer scattered around.
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Shepherd's Pie
Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
 

Shepherd's pie is hearty, comforting dish with a savory meat filling topped with golden brown mashed potatoes. A cold weather classic!

Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Irish
Keyword: mashed potatoes, sheperd's pie
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 973 kcal
Author: Cathy Roma | What Should I Make For...
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
  • 4 medium potatoes (yukon gold or russet), peeled and quartered
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • Kosher salt and pepper
Shepherd's Pie
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 cup carrots, shredded or minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lbs ground lamb or beef
  • 2 Tbsp AP flour
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine
  • 1 cup beef stock
  • 2 tsp thyme, minced
  • 2 Tbsp parsley, minced
  • 1 cup green peas
  • Kosher salt and pepper
Instructions
  1. Place the potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with cool water. Add two tsp salt, cover and bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
  2. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender, then remove from heat and drain.

  3. Strain potatoes through a ricer or mash with a fork or masher. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper and stir well. Cover and reserve.

  4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  5. Heat the oil in a large saute pan over med/high heat. Add onion and carrots saute until softened, 5-10 mins. Add the garlic and saute 1-2 additional mins.

  6. Add the meat and cook, stirring often, until browned. Drain the fat off and return to the heat. Stir in the flour and cook 2 mins.

  7. Add the tomato paste, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and cook 2 mins.

  8. Add the wine and cook until reduced, about 3 mins and then add the stock.

  9. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until sauce is reduced and thickened, about 5-10 mins.

  10. Stir in the thyme, parsley, and peas.

  11. Divide meat mixture between individual pans or ramekins. Pipe or dollop mashed potatoes over the top to completely cover.
  12. Bake for 20-25 mins or until potatoes are golden.
Recipe Notes
  • I've included a recipe for mashed potatoes, but this is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes if you happen to have some on hand. 
  • Don't skip draining the fat off the meat after it's browned. The flour will absorb some of the remaining fat and help to thicken the sauce.
  • No mini cast iron skillets? You can make this in one large cast iron skillet, oven-safe ramekins, or a shallow baking dish. Increase the baking time for one large dish.
  • Browned edges but pale center? Pop the baked Shepherd's pie under the broiler for a minute or two until it reaches your desired color.
Nutrition Facts
Shepherd's Pie
Amount Per Serving
Calories 973 Calories from Fat 558
% Daily Value*
Fat 62g95%
Saturated Fat 26g163%
Cholesterol 196mg65%
Sodium 451mg20%
Potassium 2020mg58%
Carbohydrates 47g16%
Fiber 8g33%
Sugar 8g9%
Protein 50g100%
Vitamin A 6355IU127%
Vitamin C 48.7mg59%
Calcium 203mg20%
Iron 13mg72%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.